Chapter 19: Under the Five Fingers

Xie Juxi declined the offer to have dinner together. Wen Liang understood that at this moment, the beauty on the left needed to contact some important figures, and the dinner invitation was merely a formality. He tactfully suggested it was time to leave, smiling, "We kids have no rights; if we get home late, our butts will suffer..."

Zuo Yuxi smiled lightly, but in her heart, she had a higher regard for Wen Liang. He was reasonable, knew when to advance and retreat, and had a clear understanding of the world. He neither held himself in high esteem nor flattered others. At such a young age, he already possessed such mature social skills, making him a top-notch talent. She couldn't believe that a mere deputy director of a policy research office could raise such a child.

With this thought, Zuo Yuxi smiled charmingly, extending her white, tender index finger to gently tap Wen Liang's nose, her breath like a fragrant breeze, "I know you're smart... How about this, I'll drive you home; it won't take much time... Don't refuse me, any lady would get angry if she's rejected twice!"

A moment later, Wen Liang somewhat regretted agreeing to Zuo Yuxi's offer to drive him home. The green dress perfectly outlined Zuo Yuxi's delicate and graceful figure, her long hair cascading down her crystal-clear ears, flowing down her slender neck. The white, smooth skin at her neckline was barely visible, the soft dress hugging her from her high chest to her slim waist, then folding down to cover the spring scenery beneath her skirt. With a slight movement, the hem of the skirt seemed to be lifted by the wind, revealing a pair of enchanting legs.

Wen Liang knew that Zuo Yuxi had definitely noticed his偷窥, but since she didn't say anything and her lips seemed to carry a faint smile, he felt at ease to admire this rare beauty. He quietly sighed to himself: Indeed, being a young boy is better; if he had done this in his previous life, he would have been kicked under the car long ago.

The car stopped at a small corner in front of the residential complex. Zuo Yuxi said softly, "My car is a bit conspicuous in Qingzhou, so I won't drive it in. If you need anything, remember to find me. No matter what, I'll definitely help you!"

Wen Liang paused, thinking about asking her to help Li Siqing with school issues, but ultimately didn't say anything. He nodded solemnly, his demeanor completely different from the lecherous image he had just shown. He understood that while Zuo Yuxi's words were sincere, immediately making a request after her promise would be too low in terms of character. He said goodbye and was about to get out of the car when he heard Zuo Yuxi's extremely seductive voice, "Remember, it's anything..."

Wen Liang's legs went weak, and he almost fell to the ground.

The car door slammed shut, and he could faintly hear Zuo Yuxi's unrestrained laughter and a contemptuous remark, "Let you pretend to be mature!"

Wen Liang waved at the car window irritably, patted his butt, and walked home. Occasionally looking back, he saw the car still parked there, and a warm feeling welled up in his heart.

On the way home, he felt a gaze following him, and it felt really good!

After walking a few dozen meters, four people blocked Wen Liang against the wall. The leader was Mu Shanshan, who had left countless footprints on Wen Liang's body that night of his rebirth.

Offending Gu Wenyuan was indeed a bad idea; the speed of revenge made those who boasted of waiting ten years look like fools.

Wen Liang, hands in his pockets, stared at Mu Shanshan calmly and said, "Does Master Gu even have the courage to come and take revenge himself? Is he afraid?"

Mu Shanshan crossed his fingers and made a cracking sound, saying viciously, "Kid, it seems the lesson I gave you that night wasn't deep enough. Today, Grandpa will teach you how to be afraid!"

"You don't need to crack your fingers; my toes make a clearer sound," Wen Liang said calmly, infuriating Mu Shanshan, "I really don't know how to be afraid, but just you? Ha..."

Mu Shanshan was full of anger. Not only Wen Liang, but even the three small hooligans behind him felt he was about to explode. Unexpectedly, he suddenly smiled and pointed at Wen Liang, "You've indeed become a bit smarter, different from before. Wenyuan said you knocked him down in one hit, and I didn't believe it at first, but now it seems he was right to bring people. Kid, did you go somewhere to train after being stepped on last time? But Grandpa tells you, a one-on-one fight is for fools... Go, break one of his legs, at least keep him in bed for two months! Oh..."

From the moment Mu Shanshan smiled, Wen Liang knew things were not good. He never thought this big, rough guy would be so smart, nor that Gu Wenyuan would tell others about his embarrassment and make such a correct plan.

Although Wen Liang had actively recovered his physical strength and fighting skills from his previous life, he didn't think he had the strength to fight five people, especially when one of them was Mu Shanshan, who treated fighting like a meal, and the other three were hooligans who fought even while eating.

Since provocation didn't work, it was time to run!

Wen Liang didn't even wait for Mu Shanshan to finish his speech. He kicked a small hooligan in the stomach, used the momentum to bend his right arm and hit Mu Shanshan's face with his elbow, and while Mu Shanshan groaned, he raised his middle finger, clearly saying, "You're no good!" After that, he immediately turned and ran out of the encirclement, heading back the way he came.

What a mistake, he didn't expect Gu Wenyuan to have no respect for the Municipal Committee and send Mu Shanshan to block him at the entrance of the residential complex. Damn, no respect for the law, sooner or later, they'll all be sent to sing "Iron Window Tears."

While running, Wen Liang wasn't too worried. He knew this area well and could definitely escape. But the problem was, although Mu Shanshan wouldn't come to block him every day, being constantly harassed by these flies would eventually wear him down. He needed to find a way to solve this trouble once and for all.

Of course, in the short term, it was impossible to eliminate Gu Wenyuan's father. The only thing he could do was to beat Gu Wenyuan into submission, then go and block him, trading blows for blows. A barefoot person has nothing to fear from a shod one; beat him up!

Thinking about it, Wen Liang actually chuckled. Suddenly, he bumped into something soft. Through the thin clothing, he could smell a fragrant aroma. Subconsciously, he rubbed it, feeling the incredible elasticity. A cold, yet alluring voice came from his ear, "Trouble?"

Wen Liang stepped back two steps and smiled bitterly, "A moment of itchy hands caused trouble, and now the revenge has come."

"Oh," Zuo Yuxi, who had put on sunglasses, looked coldly at the people chasing them, pulling Wen Liang to her side, "Daring to fight in front of the Municipal Committee's No. 7 Compound, quite bold, aren't you?"

Qingzhou's people were fierce. Not to mention the No. 7 Compound, even the No. 1 Compound had its windows broken by bricks thrown over the wall every quarter.

Mu Shanshan, panting, waved his hand, and the hooligans immediately surrounded the two. Mu Shanshan, whose face was bruised by Wen Liang's elbow, tightly held the steel pipe in his hand, his expression showing that he wanted more than just to keep Wen Liang in bed for two months.

Wen Liang quickly assessed the enemy's strength and realized that if it was 1:4 before, now it was 2:infinity.

He scratched his head and asked in a low voice, "How many seconds can you run 800 meters?"

Zuo Yuxi looked at him with a mix of amusement and exasperation. You want to run, and you want to drag me along? She lightly drew an "=" on his palm, and Wen Liang, finding her underground party style speechless, reluctantly replied with an "OK."

"Run, run again. You can run on the first day, but can you run on the fifteenth? Kid, I'm really angry, you're dead today!" Mu Shanshan was really furious, having been humiliated in a situation of absolute advantage.

"Slap!"

Before he could order an attack, Zuo Yuxi suddenly slapped Mu Shanshan's face, shocking everyone present!

Wen Liang immediately felt Zuo Yuxi's figure grow tall. Sister, maybe you're very powerful in Qingzhou, but no one here knows you, right? Such a simple and brutal way of showing off your temper will be despised by reasonable people, right?

Mu Shanshan felt he should have checked the almanac before going out today. Being hit by the usually timid Wen Liang and then slapped by a random woman, especially in front of four strong men, it seemed today was the day of "ghosts leading the way, nothing is suitable."

The three hooligans shivered, exchanged glances, and then took a step back.

Mu Shanshan didn't notice his comrades' situation, his anger almost burning him up. His hands clenched tightly, veins bulging, ready to attack. Wen Liang took a step to the side, protecting Zuo Yuxi behind him, determined to keep her safe no matter what.

"Is this how Mu Lahei taught you to speak to your elders? Who is your father?"

Zuo Yuxi seemed unconcerned about the situation, her cold tone and large sunglasses giving her a mature and authoritative air. Mu Shanshan was stunned; although he didn't recognize this woman, there were probably not many in Qingzhou who dared to call his father Mu Zechen "Lahei."

"Who are you?"

Zuo Yuxi didn't bother to answer the brat, walking to the side and taking out her phone to call Mu Zechen, "Mr. Mu, this is Zuo Yuxi, it's like this..."

A moment later, Zuo Yuxi walked back and handed the phone to Mu Shanshan. As soon as he took the call, he heard a loud voice, his rough face contorting in pain. From a young age, he had always trembled at the sight of his father.

"Get back here in ten minutes!"

Mu Shanshan, able to bend and stretch, returned the phone to Zuo Yuxi, bowed respectfully, then glared at Wen Liang and signaled the three hooligans to leave.

Wen Liang made a scared face, holding Zuo Yuxi's hand and leaning against her.

"Wait!"

Zuo Yuxi took off her sunglasses, revealing a face that could make any man speechless, and asked, "Who do you work for?"

The three hooligans looked miserable, one with a triangular eye smiling and saying, "Our boss's boss is Ninth Brother..."

Zuo Yuxi, though she didn't recognize these hooligans, knew from their fearful expressions that they were aware of her connection to Ninth Brother. Her question confirmed it.

"Um," Zuo Yuxi put on her sunglasses and said casually, "Do you recognize me?"

"No!"

This time, they spoke in unison, their determination clear.

"Kids' matters should be solved by kids; you shouldn't get involved. Pass the message, and don't let it happen again."

"Understood, understood!"

Seeing his "bros" he had bought with money over the years surrender instantly, Mu Shanshan finally realized he couldn't bother Wen Liang for a while. He was furious but didn't care about the cowards anymore, turning to leave.

After everyone dispersed, Wen Liang smiled, "So impressive, so intimidating!"

Zuo Yuxi pinched his cheek, pulling it up and down, a smile on her face, "Little rascal, I just helped you out, and you're already thinking about teasing me?"

Wen Liang repeatedly said he didn't dare, and after some playful banter, he asked, "Will this cause you trouble?"

"Um, Mu Zechen is just one of Gu Shitong's dogs, not worth worrying about. How did you offend the Mu family kid? Kids playing pretend, but don't go too far."

Wen Liang could only smile bitterly, explaining the whole story. When he mentioned knocking Gu Wenyuan down, Zuo Yuxi burst into laughter, pinching his cheek again.

"Hey! My mom didn't give birth to me for you to take advantage of me..."

Naturally, his protest was ineffective. After Zuo Yuxi had her fun, she smiled, "Nothing to worry about. Although Gu Shitong is powerful, he won't do anything over a kid's quarrel. Just remember not to get into trouble at school with Gu Wenyuan, and I'll handle the rest. Ha, I didn't expect the well-regarded Gu Wenyuan to be just a pretty facade..."

After some playful banter, a strange feeling spread between them. Interpersonal relationships indeed needed give and take to be mutually beneficial. Although Wen Liang had saved Zuo Yuxi's life, it was a one-sided help from a small person to a big person. Despite her gratitude, there was a subconscious barrier. After the recent events, the help became mutual, though still unequal, the barrier disappeared. It felt like meeting an old friend after a long time, or like a family member suddenly reuniting, like wine buried under peach blossoms, becoming more fragrant with time. Wen Liang, free from the constraints of the world, said naturally, "Sister Zuo, I have a favor to ask. I have a sister named Li Siqing, who is having some trouble in junior high..."

After hearing the whole story, Zuo Yuxi playfully snapped her fingers, tilting her head with a hint of mischief, "Small matter, wait for my call tomorrow."

Wen Liang bowed, making exaggerated flattery, "Great compassion, great compassion, you are my Guanyin Bodhisattva..."

Zuo Yuxi laughed, extending her right hand to make a mock grab at his face, saying fiercely, "I am the Buddha, and you, this little monkey, can't escape my five fingers."

Looking at her slender, crystal-clear fingers, Wen Liang smiled, thinking, "With such beautiful five fingers, who would want to escape, who would be a turtle or a bastard!"

Page break for AD

Page break for AD end